Happy Diwali!!!
Get everyone celebrating the spirit of Diwali with our mouthwatering and authentic looking snacks!!
Mango & Coconut “Lassi” Bliss Balls and Curried Potato Roll-Ups
Ideas for celebrating Diwali - big and small :)
For several years, we worked in an early childhood centre with a group of teachers who were originally from India. Everyone always looked forward to the Diwali festivities, with children getting involved in making decorations, getting dressed up in beautiful saris and dancing to Indian music. On the actual day, we’d set up the largest classroom with colourful floor mats and cushions, and all the teachers, children and whānau would come together to share a beautiful and vegetarian Indian meal we all helped to create – with each classroom in charge of one of the dishes’ preparation.
Usually we’d make a Lentil Dhal (suited for babies and toddlers), a big pot of “Yellow” Rice (add turmeric to the cooking water), Chickpea & Vegetable Curry, and lots and lots of freshly made roti. For dessert, kids would make Mango Lassi with the teachers and roll Bliss Balls made with dried fruits, spices and coconut. These were also wonderful opportunities not only to celebrate the spirit of Diwali and Indian culture but to promote how nutritious and wholesome foods can be so delicious. To support this, we’d write or print the recipes in large posters and pin them to the walls, so whānau could take photos to try them at home.
However, these celebrations did take a great deal of team work, organising and effort on everyone’s part. Just in case you don’t have the time or resources to go all out but still would like to commemorate Diwali, we came up with a couple of easy snacks inspired by those wonderful celebrations. The first one is a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside, Curried Potato Roll-Up, and the second, Mango and Coconut “Lassi” Bliss Balls, which look and taste great . Both recipes work well as lunchbox additions – the bread roll-up tasting yummy at room temperature – and could be easily adapted as cooking activities to make with the kids and whānau. And if you’re after a lunch recipe, check our divine Chicken & Cauliflower Biryani.
Source: Diwali display @ Auckland Central Library (Oct/ 19)
A little bit about Diwali
Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India, marking the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The name comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, which means “rows of light”, and for this reason the date is also known as the Festival of Lights. The 5 - day festival happens sometime between October and November, but the exact dates change every year. In 2019, Diwali ends on Sunday, 29th October but celebrations will be taking place all over New Zealand during the month of October.
Some of the most popular Diwali traditions are to light small dyias (candles) and oil lamps, lighting fireworks, visiting friends and enjoying traditional Indian feasts and sweets. Also Rangoli (pictured), which are beautiful and colourful patterns usually made on the ground, using different materials. The one pictured uses coloured rice but they can also be made using coloured sand or flower petals.
Above all, Diwali is about celebrating the Light and Beauty of all things, friendship and kindness, and the triumph of good over evil.
Curried Potato Roll-Ups
Serves 10 preschoolers
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Yummy Curried Potato Roll-Ups
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp olive oil (or substitute)
1 each onion, peeled and finely diced
1 each garlic clove, peeled and crushed
1 Tbsp mild curry powder
1 Tbsp chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
2 each medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1/3 cup frozen peas
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp fresh coriander, chopped (optional)
100 g paneer, crumbled (substitute feta, ricotta or grated Edam)
10 slices wholemeal bread (we used Molenberg sandwich-cut)
Small bowl of water and brush (to seal the edges)
Cooking spray
Method:
Making the filling
1. Place potatoes in a pot, cover with water and simmer until soft. Add the peas to the pot and cook for a couple more minutes. Drain well and set aside.
2. In a frying pan, add the olive oil and onions. Cook gently for approximately 5 minutes, or until onions are soft. Add the garlic and mild curry powder and cook for another couple of minutes.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and a couple of tablespoons of water and stir well, mashing it all into a coarse paste with the back of your spoon. Remove from the heat and reserve.
3. Meanwhile, roughly mash the vegetables. Add coriander (if using).
4. Add curried onion to the mashed vegetables and mix well. Season the mixture with the salt. Taste and add a pinch more curry powder, if needed.
Making the Roll - Ups
1. Place a slice of bread on the board and flatten well with a rolling pin. Repeat with other slices.
2. Add 2 tsps of potato filling to each bread slice and shape it like a sausage. Crumble a little paneer (or substitute) over it.
3. Using a brush or tip of fingers dipped in water, moisten the edges of the bread.
4. Roll each slice, and using the tips of your fingers, press all the edges well to seal.
5. Place the roll-ups on a lightly sprayed oven tray.
6.Lightly spray roll-ups with cooking spray.
7.Bake in a pre-heated oven @180 C for 10 minutes or until slightly golden and crispy.
8. Enjoy!!!
Mango & Coconut “Lassi” Bliss Balls
Ingredients:
1 cup dried mango
3 Tbsp boiling water
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1/2 cup wheat bran
2/3 cup milk powder
2 Tbsp plain yoghurt
1/4 tsp turmeric
Extra coconut and dried mango for decorating (optional)
Method
1.Cut the mango with scissors or a knife. Soak the diced mango in the boiling water for about 5 minutes.
2. Place soaked mango and remaining ingredients in the food processor.
3. Turn on the machine and mix it until mixture is moist and comes together. Add more yoghurt (if too dry), or wheat bran (if too wet).
4. Get creative!!
5. Roll the mixture into balls or different shapes.
6. Decorate each with a little coconut or dried mango, or whatever you may have at hand.
We’d love to hear from you and see how the recipes worked for you; if the children enjoyed them or if you’ve got any other comments or feedback for us!
You can always drop us a line in the comments’ box below or through our Facebook page - where we’d love to share any photos of your ECE using any of our recipes, tips or activities.
Happy Diwali everyone!!!
Ready for the party! :)